Posted on Jan 16, 2020
SPC Saw Gunner
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So I graduated BLC back in March 2018 and was on the promotion list before I went when I had SSD1 done. I have been to SAWE and Field Sanitation since and assist Cadre at SAWE every course since. But the most recent promotion list has come out and my name is not on it. My Leadership is aware and are trying to figure out why. I have done some research and found that if any soldier is taken off they have to be informed and given documentation for the reason. The source I used is AR 600-8-19 section 7 paragraph 3-28 A (first sentence). Any guidance on what I can do as an E-4 to fix this situation. The National Guard is my life and I’m getting close to my ETS date and being shafted this many times is affecting my career and any chance I have on getting my promotion while also making me second guess if I’d like to extend. Also I have only ever been given a negative counseling statement and nothing more and that was only once. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated as I’m sure my Leadership has better things to do and I do not wish to consistently bug them about this situation. Thank you all ahead of time if you choose to respond and I do not get a chance to thank you in a timely manner.
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Responses: 12
1SG Dennis Hicks
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I can't speak directly about the Guard since I have active duty and Reserve time. But in my experience if you haven't been directly identified as pulled for the promotion list and yet your name is not on it it can be for a variety of reasons. I remember something about two years being the max to sit on a list before it goes away, it could also mean someone had a brain fart and didn't update the list with your name etc. It could also be because of points and as I remember it was 300 points for SGT (11B) and 350 points for SSG (11B). If you have notified your unit and your S-1 doesn't have info for you I would make the suggestion that you request to be boarded again rather than wait and see just to find out there is nothing you can do.
Also I would do my best to earn additional points even do more correspondence courses etc. As for your COC, it is the nature of their job to take care of their troops and right wrongs as well as mentor the young troops through the ranks. None of this should wait until your next drill. You should have full time staff that can find out whats wrong and what you and them can do to fix this.
I could bore you to death with all the crap I had to deal with going up through the ranks as well as fixing my troops issues with boards and promotions but I would highly recommend using your first line leader on up through the chain. I would also recommend keeping a calm Coll and respectful head the whole time as this will only help you rather than cause some folks to actual screw you over.
Lastly based upon all the time I have served as a line dog get used to monumental Snafu's and minor ones as it is a way of life in the Infantry and helps build character and teaches you how to help your troops one day. If everything went smooth all the time we would all be lost when it doesn't . Good luck.
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SPC Saw Gunner
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Roger 1st Sgt, and yes I understand that a lot of the time in infantry atleast soldier get shafted and that is one of the main reason I want to progress my career and keep moving forward. I want to help with that and make sure that others do not have to deal with those situations as I know they will happen but if I can help in anyway to mitigate than I will so this is stressful but in the end will be a way I can make sure it doesn’t happen to other and if it does. Then I will know how to go about fixing the situation.
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LTC Wayne Brandon
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The job of your immediate leaders and those in the PAC is to take care of the soldier - that means you. Don't be shy about this; if you've earned it, then make them provide you with an explanation or make your request to go higher in the chain. I assure you, someone will take notice and do the right thing. All the best, SPC Bright!
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SPC Saw Gunner
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Roger LTC Brandon, I will admit when it comes to problems I tend to be shy but always make sure that they are aware of the problem. I just tend to not want to annoy them and try to solve it myself. But I thank you and appreciate the response.
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LTC Wayne Brandon
LTC Wayne Brandon
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SPC (Join to see) - You are quite welcome and be sure to let us know how this works out for you.
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SSG Infantryman
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The fact that you were on the list last year but not this year tells me that most likely your packet did not make it to the board. The response you received from 1SG (Join to see) is spot on and accurate to the ARNG promotion system.

The portion of AR 600-8-19 that is relevant for you is Chapter 7, Section VI, 7-33 a. this reads very much the same as your original citation. I mention this because while doctrine is consistent between the National Guard and Active Component, frequently there is variance in the regulation.
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